Lambton Presbytery met at Grace United Church on February 20, 2014. Members of the church prepared a spaghetti dinner. The worship service was led by Rev. Susan Browning on the theme of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”. She was assisted by members of the congregation for scripture reading, prayers and music. Lauren Morrison, a young member of the congregation, displayed a painting she had done and told about her experience about longing for a friend and finally finding one.

Diaconal ministers Val Pitt and Carey Wagner of Watford and Kerwood United Church spoke about their trip to Palestine and Israel in November, 2013. They were among 10 United Church members who accepted the invitation from Sabeel Ecumenical Christian Organization, to “Come and See” what is happening in the area. They said that they were told that this organization wasn’t looking for people to take sides, but people who could be friends both to Palestine and Israel.

Val Pitt and Carey Wagner showed slides of their trip. One slide showed a huge wall in Bethlehem. Val said, “Bethlehem is a town under captivity.” She said Palestinians needs permits to leave Bethlehem and many have never left. “Lives have been totally devastated by the situation,” said Val Pitt. They spoke to one university student who quit university because passing through the one-hour checkpoints twice a day was so stressful. Tourists are discouraged from visiting the area, which has been hard on businesses.

Another slide showed a lush, green community in an Israeli-occupied settlement and then an area in Palestine - a bare, dry field where only stumps of olive trees remained. The Israeli s claimed that the trees had to be destroyed for security reasons. Palestinian homes could be recognized by water barrels on their roofs, because they lived under water restrictions while the Israeli communities did not.

Carey Wagner said that four generation of Palestinians have lived in refugee camps where there are no play areas, no green grass, and no play equipment. Val Pitt said a powerful image for her was the keys that Palestinian refugees kept of their former homes, believing one day they could return.

They described a man who was forced to leave his home and went to live in a nearby cave. He has watched the Israelis turn the area into a tourist area and Israeli families move into his home.

The diaconal ministers showed a video – www.jewishvoiceforpeace - and said they planned to send information about other videos that are available. They mentioned the United Church’s Unsettling Good Campaign that is encouraging people to boycott three businesses that have been established in the Israeli occupied settlements – Soda Stream, Keter, plastic products and Ahava, beauty products. They also mentioned that the film, The Gatekeepers, would be shown on March 22, 2014 at the Sarnia Library Theatre.

February 20, 2014

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LAMBTON PRESBYTERY MINUTES UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA

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Chair Carolyn Wilson Wynne welcomed the presbyters and constituted the meeting at 7:04 pm. with a quorum present. Carolyn Wilson Wynne announced, “In the Name of Jesus, the one true Head of the Church, and by the authority vested in me as the chair of Lambton Presbytery, I now declare the meeting constituted for the transaction of such business as may properly come before it.”

CONSENT DOCKET Moved by John Yates, seconded by Louise Hall and carried that the Consent Docket be accepted as printed. (See 2014- 20)

AGENDA Moved by Doug Greenough, seconded by Adam Kilner and carried that the agenda be accepted as circulated.

Wilma Johnson reported that the 2013 total M & S givings were not announced yet, but she thanked presbyters for their continued support. The M & S Bag that was passed around at the Presbytery meetings collected $570.

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LAMBTON PRESBYTERY MINUTES UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA

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In early December, the M&S covenant forms for 2014 were mailed to pastoral charge treasurers for reply by February 28, 2014. Enclosed in the mailing was a cover letter, a resource to guide congregations in their deliberations for the 2014 M&S goal and their 2015 M&S projection, a covenant form that can be completed online at National Office This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or mailed to the General Council Office. Only 45% of United Churches donate to the M&S Fund. Wilma said that she would like to see that grow so that at least one out of every two United Churches donates to Mission and Service. “Imagine the ministry that would be possible!” she said. The National website has useful information to help promote M & S. www.stewardshiptoolkit.ca. Also the Minute for Mission Booklets are out as well a CD that is available. It can also be seen on YouTube. Camlachie United has continued to have its Angel tree and raised a total of $870. She said that it has been a great learning tool for both the children and adults.

Finance: John Yates

Moved by John Yates, seconded by Jim Louks and carried that the financial statements of Lambton Presbytery for the year 2013, as reviewed by Dona Hyatt, and found to be in proper order, be received as recorded in the minutes. (See 2014- 21)

Moved by John Yates, seconded by Jim Louks and carried that Lambton Presbytery appoint Dona Hyatt as auditor for the year 2014.

John Yates presented a motion that the remaining funds of $3,500 from the Resource Centre account be moved to the presbytery assessment fund. Discussion was held as to other options, such as providing monies for the purchase of shelves for the lay worship - lending library that will be located at the Lambton Camp Centre. Susan Woodhouse, chair of Education and Students, said the money for the lending library would normally be a budget item for her committee. Another suggestion was to donate the money to a three-person group from Aamjiwnaag that is planning to attend the Truth and Reconciliation event in Edmonton in March, 2014.

Moved by Madeline McCaw, seconded by Jim Louks, and carried that funds remaining in the Resource Centre account be moved to the 2015 Presbytery Assessment Fund.

MISSION OVERSIGHT –Pat WhittonMoved by Pat Whitton, seconded by Matthew Stevens and carried that Lambton Presbytery support the journey to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Geraldine Robertson, Stephanie Rogers and a (unnamed) third person in the amount of $500, using funds from the Leader’s Fund. Discussion was held regarding the need for about $5000. It was mentioned that some churches have already offered financial support.

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LAMBTON PRESBYTERY MINUTES UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA

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Moved by Pat Morrison, seconded by Adam Kilner and passed that the Lambton Presbytery approve the Technology Grant Application of Brigden United Church in the amount of $1500 for an update in audio-visual equipment in their worship space, pending receipt of the appropriate supporting documents.

Lambton Church Centre: Connie Ellis

The annual meeting and volunteer appreciation lunch will be held Sunday March 2, 2014 at St. Luke’s United Church at 12:30 p.m. Twenty-five members of the corporation are needed at the meeting for quorum. The meeting is being held at St. Luke’s as the Centre is booked.

The road sign has been refurbished with paint and a new insert. To save on electricity it is no longer lit but is under a street light.

The barrier free washroom in the farmhouse has been completed. A dedication ceremony of the washroom and thank you to Parker Street United will be held in the spring.

The Ministry of the Environment inspected the Septic system with instructions for a full inspection, pump outs and recommendation from a sanitary company to meet Environmental requirements.

Two new individuals have joined the board but more board members are required, especially someone strong in financial management.

A “Host” is needed to serve as a liaison between the campers, Board and Staff. See website for details.

Eric Soepboer has been hired as the Summer Camp Director. Eric has been a counsellor and the Senior Counsellor for the past seven years. He will finish his teacher’s training in April, 2014.

Upcoming fundraisers: Chicken BBQ on May 31, 2014 at the Centre; Beef/Pork BBQ on August 9, 2014.

Presbyterial United Church Women: Ann Carr on behalf of Nora Gibson The day-long annual meeting will be held on March 26 at Dunlop United Church, starting at 9 a.m.The World Day of Prayer on March 7, 2014 is in the planning stage. This year’s service was prepared by the women of Egypt. Ann Carr mentioned how comforting she found it when moving to a new place to experience the service that is the same throughout the world.

February 20, 2014

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LAMBTON PRESBYTERY MINUTES UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA

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Truth and Reconciliation Workshop will be held on June 3, 2014?” from 5-9 p.m. at Maawn Doosh Gumig Community Centre Aamjiwnaag. The theme is “Reconciliation: What does it Mean to Us?

Plaque from Habitat for Humanity: Louise Hall said that she attended the dedication of the Euphemia Street House and accepted a plaque on behalf of Lambton Presbytery. She said the presbytery raised $65,000 for the home, which was built in conjunction with Community Living Sarnia-Lambton. “When we work together we can do amazing things,” she said. Four people requiring 24-hour care will live in the home. The presbyters decided that the plaque could rotate to each church for a month and can then be displayed at Lambton United Camp Centre. In memory of the late Rev. Fred Darke, presbyters agreed that Eleanor Darke, his wife, would be given the opportunity to have it for the first month as her husband was one of the founding members of the local Habitat for Humanity.

A request was received to transfer Dan Leaver’s candidacy process from Red Deer Presbytery to Lambton Presbytery. Dan Leaver is appointed as student supply at Dunlop United and is in his first year at the Centre for Christian Studies. Moved by Jim Breen, seconded by Dan Mulema and carried that Lambton Presbytery accept the transfer of Dan Leaver’s candidacy process from Red Deer Presbytery to Lambton Presbytery. The committee gifted Dan Leaver with $1000 from the Theological Fund.

Discernment reports for Ward Armitage and Brittany Waters-Pevec were received. It has been recommended to the Education and Students Committee that both these inquirers continue in active lay ministry within the congregation. The discernment committees have been thanked and disbanded. No further action is required.

Recommendation for Ordination 2014: London Conference Education and Students Committee met on January 11, 2015 in London. It moved, seconded and cared that London Conference Education and Students’ Committee having made final inquiry as to determine his readiness for ministry, recommend Terry Fletcher for ordination at the 2014 annual meeting of London Conference, subject to continuing to meet all necessary requirements.

Mary Fletcher started a Clinical Pastoral Education unit on January 16, 2014. Mary Fletcher requires two further interviews: to receive the CPE mid-term reports; and the second for a decision on ordination.

Pastoral Oversight Committee: Presented by Marilyn Townsend-Smith

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LAMBTON PRESBYTERY MINUTES UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA

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Marilyn Townsend-Smith said that at present the pastoral oversight committee is without a chair.

Blackwell United to disband: The congregation at Blackwell United has requested to have its final service on June 30, 2014. Marilyn Townsend-Smith led a prayer for the

congregation. A question was raised about the need for a representative from Stewardship Oversight in the accompanying process. Jim Louks will represent Stewardship, and Louise Hall will also work with Blackwell United.

Pastoral Relations: No report. NOMINATIONS REPORT: Louise Hall

Moved by Louise Hall, seconded by Doug Greenough and carried that the following be appointed to attend London Conference: Pat Whitton, Matthew Stevens, Louise Hall, Nick Monsour, Marg Cameron, Wilma or Jim Johnson..

LONDON CONFERENCE REPORT: Betsy Exley, of London Conference’s Youth and Young Adults Ministry Betsy Exley said she does all the fun stuff, such as camps, youth ministry, and faith formation. She can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.She asked about how the presbyters liked the weekly email from London Conference and got a positive response. She said the Conference website has a new search engine that allows individuals to type in what information they are looking for. She encouraged presbyters to take a look at the section called Tips for Your Congregation. She also said that there are You tube videos on youth forum. She outlined a variety of upcoming events, such as:

 the LoCo Engagement Party on “Sex and Faith: Let’s Talk About it” on March 6, 2014 at Riverside United Church in London. RSVP to Betsy Oxley by March 3, 2014. The program will feature Dr. Kate Ott and Rev. Kenji Marui.

 The LoCo Youth Forum on April 10-13, 2014 with Moderator Gary Paterson as theme speaker.

 Good Friday SWELL on April 18, 2014 at 7 p.m. at Wesley-Knox United, London

 YATS@Conference will be held on May 23-25, 2014.

 Annual Meeting May 23-25, 2014 with the theme, Changing the Landscape.

Registration is open. Costs $80.

Moved by Louise Hall, seconded by Sue Browning and carried that the following be appointed to the New Growth Fund: Jim Breen, Sandra Fogarty, John Yates,

Ruling on Fees for Annual meeting as follows:“The Conference may charge a fee for its annual (or biennial or triennial) meeting to help defray costs as long as the following condition is met. The Conference must put appropriate arrangements in place so that no one is prevented from participating in the annual meeting for financial reasons. It is up to each Conference to determine for itself how best to meet this condition.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Crittenden 519-432-7189(23)

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Rev. Matthew Stevens 519-481-0814

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jim Tyler 519-284-3138

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*They are not to serve in their own presbytery.

The contract of the Pastoral Care minister has been extended to June 30, 2015 at which time the final report of the Comprehensive Review Committee will have been received and will give an indication of the future structure of the United Church.

The 2015 annual meeting of London Conference will be held the first weekend in June, 2015 due to Pentecost and bookings at the Hellenic Centre. Proposals for General Council will be accepted this year, as it will give more time for consideration.

The Conference office will be moving into new space being built at Riverside United Church as part of their expansion. This is expected to happen the summer of 2015 but again is dependent upon the Comprehensive Review Report.

A plot of land that blocks access to a native burial ground is to be transferred to the Moraviantown of the Thames. The land across the road from Fairfield Museum currently is farmed for the benefit of the Canadian Food Grains Bank.

General Secretary Cheryl-Ann Stadelbauer-Sampa is serving on the working group that is meeting with the United Church of Christ to discuss forming a relationship. This would not be a joining but would be a relationship that would make it easier for ministers to serve in either denomination and facilitate joint ventures.

Embracing Emergence Christianity Workshops April 5 & May 3.

Rev. Dr. Robert Gibson 519-882-3605 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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LAMBTON PRESBYTERY MINUTES UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA

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Everyone is asked to read “Fishing on the Other Side” a discussion paper prepared by the Comprehensive Review Task Force. It has been sent as an email but it is also available on the United Church Website along with a summary of the results of their consultations with churches and other groups.

NEW BUSINESS

Admission to the Order of Ministry: The presbytery secretary read the names for admission and re-admission to the Order of Ministry in the United Church of Canada. (See Appendix 2014 –22)

Conference Priorities Report: Louise Hall

Louise Hall who represents Lambton Presbytery on the Conference Priorities committee said that the report was presented and approved at the London Conference Executive Committee meeting on February 19, 2014. The committee was to develop ideas on conference staffing. In line with the priority toward ministry for children and youth, one full-time person will be hired for one year to act as liaison with the camping ministry and faith formation. A half-time position will be created until June, 2015 for personnel work, freeing time for work on the Effective Leadership Test Project. Louise Hall will send out more information on the report. The committee’s mandate is to be extended until the end of 2015. She said the positions were short-term contracts, as needs are changing so fast.

CHAIR’S THEME: LET’S GET MESSY

Chair Carolyn Wilson Wynne said that nothing strikes fear in people’s heart like change. People can know that they need to do something different, but even as we shout for change, we hyperventilate about what it can mean. She said the call for change has been heard. by the Comprehensive Task Group, which has put out its report, called “Fishing on the Other Side”. She recommended that presbyters read the report and come prepared to discuss it on Wednesday, March 19 at noon at St. Paul’s United Church. Presbyters are encouraged to bring their lunches to the 90 minute discussion.

Carolyn Wilson Wynne thanked Grace United and all the people who prepared the meal and worship service. The Presbyters requested that a card of thanks be sent to Lauren Morrison for her contribution to the worship service.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned with prayer at 8:42 p.m.

CHAIR, CAROLYN WILSON WYNNE SECRETARY, NANCY ANDREWS

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LAMBTON PRESBYTERY MINUTES UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA

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APPENDIX CORRESPONDENCE FROM JANUARY 8, 2014 TO FEBRUARY 10, 2014 LC= London Conference; GC=General Council; GD= General Distribution

RE: Workshop at March Executive Meeting Request for Annual Reports, names of new presbyters and conference representativesGC: Pastoral Charge Final statistics for 2012 for the 2013 Year Book

Cheque for Conference Call from John Yates

Request for Responsive Reading books Kent Presbytery Minutes for January GC: Mission and Service Fund Year End Pilgrimage Study Tour to Spain and Portugal GC: Year Book- 2013 Statistical Forms (Hard copy)

LC: March Bridge deadline LC: Request for annual report for London Conference GC: Updated circulation list for admission to the order of ministry in the United Church Notification of LC of Lambton Presbytery April meeting change Reports from John Yates GC: Admission circulation list (hard copy)

Filed Filed GD GD GD

GD GD GD GD GD GD GD GD GD Replied GD Forwarded GD

GD GD

LC GD Filed GD GD Available at February meeting GD

Chair

To be read at February meeting Filed

GD with Agenda To be read at

February 20, 2014

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LAMBTON PRESBYTERY MINUTES UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA

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February meeting

Jan. 30, 2014

Response to Responsive Reading Book request

Forwarded

Jan. 30, 2014

GC: Stewardship CPR: New sessions added

GC

Jan. 30, 2014

Children’s Bibles from the Canadian Bible Society

Forwarded

Jan. 31, 2014

Personnel Matter

Chair, LC Personnel

Feb. 5, 2014

Middlesex Presbytery Minutes, January 28

Filed

Feb. 6, 2014

Annual Report from Shiloh-Inwood (hard copy)

To be forwarded to POD

Feb. 7, 2014

GC: Follow-up from Comprehensive Review Task Group

GD

Feb. 7, 2014

GC: News Release

GD

Feb. 9, 2014

Motions from Blackwell United congregation

Stewardship

Feb. 10, 2014

Edge Congregational Resources and Real Estate Planning Team

GD

Notices & Events: General Distribution



  

 

 

Shiloh~Inwood United Church is hosting a Ministry of Health approved Food

Safety Training Course on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 9:00am-3:00pm

Roast Beef Dinner on February 9, 2014 at Camlachie United Church.

Dofasco Male Choir on April 27, 2014 at Central United Church

The Kent Presbytery Centre for Renewal is sponsoring a two-day event with

Euchre Card Parties on Mondays, March 10 and 24 at Inwood Church at 7:30

p.m. Fund-raiser for Food Grains Bank

February 20, 2014

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LAMBTON PRESBYTERY MINUTES UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA

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APPENDIX

CONSENT DOCKET - LAMBTON PRESBYTERY REGULAR MEETING

A CONSENT DOCKET contains motions that are not likely to require discussion. If anyone wishes to discuss an item it will be removed from the Consent Docket and placed on the Discussion Docket. If anyone has a question for clarification about an item on the Consent Docket it will be answered if possible with a brief explanation. The item may be put on the Discussion Docket at the Chairperson’s discretion.

The following are basic facilitating motions for the meeting:

(A) That the ROLL CALL be those who signify their attendance by legibly signing the attendance sheets (The Secretary will list any names that have been received for Regrets on the Attendance Sheet). (B) That all VISITORS be made CORRESPONDING MEMBERS (which means that visitors are invited to speak but do not have a vote.) (C) That all LICENCED LAY WORSHIP LEADERS be made CORRESPONDING MEMBERS and receive all Presbytery Correspondence. (D) That all MINUTES of Lambton Presbytery pages to are accepted as printed from 2013-74 to 2013- 90. (E) That the CORRESPONDENCE be distributed to and dealt with by the Committee or Division as per the CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED listed in the Minutes of Lambton Presbytery. (F) That the Court waives use of a BALLOT for Pastoral Relations motions UNLESS REQUESTED by any one voting member. (G) That all MOTIONS be written clearly or typed for the Secretary. (H) That all REPORTS be written clearly or typed for inclusion in the Minutes. (I) That the EXECUTIVE of Lambton Presbytery is granted POWERS of PRESBYTERY for necessary business, upon this meeting’s adjournment until the next meeting of Lambton Presbytery.

A motion will be received to accept that Consent Docket in its entirety unless someone has requested that an item be moved to the DISCUSSION Docket to allow discussion. The remainder will be accepted as one item.

February 20, 2014

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APPENDIX

LAMBTON PRESBYTERY MINUTES UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA

www.lambtonpresbytery.org

February 20, 2014

2014 - 22

APPENDIX

LAMBTON PRESBYTERY MINUTES UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA

www.lambtonpresbytery.org

Name

Denomination

Recommending Conference

Chalmers, Peter Jeffrey

Presbyterian Church in Canada

Hamilton

Crawford, David M.

Presbyterian Church in Canada

Alberta Northwest

Howes, David Michael

Presbyterian Church in Canada

Toronto

Madimbu, Erasmus

Reformed Church in Zimbabwe

Newfoundland & Labrador

Randall, W. Besta

Metropolitan Community Church

London

Self Ransdell, R. Kathryn *

United Methodist Church, USA

British Columbia

Name

Recommending Presbytery/District/Conference

Ross Hamilton

Pictou, Maritime Conference

Admission Circulation List Ministers to be Recommended for Admission From Other Denominations to the Order of Ministry In The United Church of Canada Circulation List October 2013

 Self Ransdell, R. Kathryn’s name was circulated last year but admission deferred. Re-Admission

Ministers to be recommended for Red-Admission to the Order of Ministry in the United Church of Canada